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Reform is not rescue charity for panicky Tory MPs, Farage says
Reform UK will stop accepting Tory defectors after May 7 local elections to avoid becoming a refuge for failed Conservatives, says leader Nigel Farage.
- Reform UK welcomed senior Tory defectors Robert Jenrick and Nadhim Zahawi, prompting jubilation and soul-searching, while Nigel Farage announced no more Conservative defections after the local elections.
- Among Reform members, grassroots concern about former Tory MPs joining has driven calls to limit defections after May 7, to avoid appearing like a 'Tory tribute act'.
- It unveiled a list of 20 councillors — 14 Conservatives, five independents and one Green — who joined Reform in recent weeks, while around 20 former Conservative MPs have joined in recent months.
- Commentators warned senior Tory defectors could prompt power struggles, with Jenrick as shadow chancellor candidate while Lisa Nandy and Kemi Badenoch criticised his recruitment.
- Writing in the Telegraph, Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, said defectors must accept the previous government 'broke the country' and warned MPs who wait until May 8 risk being out of step; a 'well-known Labour figure' is expected to defect next week, with Baroness Kate Hoey among rumours.
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19 Articles
19 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left7Leaning Right5Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Left
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left
39% Left
L 39%
C 33%
R 28%
Factuality
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